How Many Carbs Are in Trident Sugar Free Gum?

December 20, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the nutrition label, a single stick of Trident sugar-free gum contains just 1 gram of total carbohydrates. This article explains what those carbs are and how they affect your diet, addressing the common question: how many carbs are in Trident sugar free gum?

Quick Summary

Each piece of Trident sugar free gum has 1 gram of total carbohydrates, which come from sugar alcohols like xylitol and sorbitol. These are not fully absorbed by the body, resulting in a net carb count that is typically considered zero for most low-carb diets. It provides minimal calories while freshening breath.

Key Points

Low Total Carbs: A single stick of Trident sugar free gum contains only 1 gram of total carbohydrates, according to its nutrition label.
Zero Net Carbs: For keto and low-carb diets, the net carb count is typically considered zero because the 1 gram of carbohydrates comes from sugar alcohols, which are not fully absorbed by the body.
Uses Sugar Alcohols: The sweetness in Trident comes from sugar alcohols like xylitol and sorbitol, not regular sugar.
Keto-Friendly: Due to its negligible net carb impact, Trident is generally accepted on a keto diet when consumed in moderation.
Dental Benefits: Chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol, like Trident, can stimulate saliva flow, help clean teeth, and prevent cavities.
Minimal Calories: Each stick contains fewer than 5 calories, making it a low-calorie treat for fresh breath.
Digestive Sensitivity: Consuming excessive sugar alcohols may cause digestive upset for some people, so moderation is recommended.

Understanding the Carb Count on Trident's Label

When you look at the nutrition facts for a standard 1-stick serving of Trident sugar-free gum, you'll see a line for "Total Carbohydrate: 1g". This might be confusing for those on strict low-carb or keto diets, who often aim to minimize their carbohydrate intake. The key to understanding this number lies in the difference between total carbs and net carbs.

Total Carbs vs. Net Carbs

For many foods, total carbohydrates are the number you count. However, for products containing sugar alcohols, the calculation is different. Total carbs include all carbohydrates, but not all of them impact your blood sugar in the same way. The concept of net carbs is used to account for this difference. The formula is:

Net Carbs = Total Carbs - Sugar Alcohols - Fiber

Since Trident contains 1g of total carbs and approximately 1g of sugar alcohol per stick, its net carb count is effectively zero. This is why Trident is often considered suitable for low-carb lifestyles.

The Role of Sugar Alcohols

Sugar alcohols, also known as polyols, are sweeteners that have a chemical structure resembling both sugar and alcohol. The human body does not fully digest or absorb them, which is why they have fewer calories than regular sugar and a minimal impact on blood sugar levels. The primary sugar alcohols in Trident gum are sorbitol and xylitol.

Xylitol and Sorbitol

Xylitol: This sugar alcohol is a key sweetener in many Trident flavors. It's known for its dental benefits, as it helps reduce plaque acids and inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay. Chewing gum with xylitol can stimulate saliva flow, which further aids in strengthening teeth.
Sorbitol: Another common sugar alcohol found in Trident, sorbitol also provides sweetness with fewer calories. It is metabolized slowly by the body, contributing to the gum's minimal caloric impact.

Trident Gum on a Keto or Low-Carb Diet

For individuals following a ketogenic diet, the goal is to enter and maintain a metabolic state called ketosis. This requires keeping carbohydrate intake very low. Because the net carb count of Trident sugar-free gum is close to zero, it is generally considered acceptable for the keto diet. Chewing a stick or two is unlikely to have a significant effect on your daily carb limit or knock you out of ketosis.

Important considerations for keto:

Moderation is key: While one stick is fine, consuming multiple sticks could potentially add up, especially if you are highly sensitive to sugar alcohols. Some people find that large amounts can cause digestive issues, such as bloating or diarrhea.
Potential for cravings: For some, the sweet taste of gum can trigger a craving for other sweets. It's important to be mindful of this potential effect and monitor your personal response.

Trident vs. Other Sugar-Free Gums: A Carb Comparison

While Trident is a popular choice, other sugar-free gums are available with similar nutritional profiles. Here is a brief comparison based on nutritional information:


Gum Brand	Serving Size	Total Carbs	Sugar Alcohols	Net Carbs	Calories
Trident (Original)	1 stick (1.9g)	1g	~1g (Sorbitol, Xylitol)	~0g	~5
Extra Sugar-Free	1 stick (2.8g)	2g	~2g (Sorbitol, Mannitol)	~0g	~5
Orbit Sugar-Free	1 piece (2g)	1g	~1g (Sorbitol, Mannitol)	~0g	~2

This table illustrates that most major sugar-free gum brands are formulated with a similar approach, using sugar alcohols to achieve a sweet taste with a negligible impact on net carb counts and calorie intake.

Health Considerations Beyond Carbs

While the low-carb nature of Trident is a major draw, there are other health aspects to consider. For instance, the American Dental Association has recognized that chewing Trident sugarless gum for 20 minutes after eating can help prevent cavities. However, it's also important to be aware of ingredients like aspartame, an artificial sweetener, and soy lecithin, which acts as an emulsifier.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Trident's Carbs

For most people on a low-carb or keto diet, a stick of Trident sugar-free gum is not a concern. The total carbohydrate count of 1 gram is effectively zero net carbs, thanks to the inclusion of sugar alcohols that are not fully metabolized. Chewing Trident gum offers fresh breath and dental benefits with minimal caloric impact. As with any food, moderation and personal sensitivity should be considered, especially regarding the digestive effects of sugar alcohols. If you're managing a strict diet, always consider the net carb calculation rather than just the total carbs listed on the label.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Trident sugar-free gum has virtually zero net carbs. The 1 gram of total carbohydrates listed on the label is from sugar alcohols (xylitol and sorbitol), which are not fully digested, making the net carb count negligible.

Yes, you can chew Trident gum on the keto diet. Since its net carb count is effectively zero, a stick or two is unlikely to interfere with ketosis.

Sugar alcohols, or polyols, are sweeteners that provide fewer calories and have less impact on blood sugar than regular sugar. They are included in Trident gum to provide sweetness while keeping the product sugar-free and low-calorie.

Sugar alcohols are absorbed slowly and incompletely, so they cause a much smaller increase in blood sugar and insulin levels compared to sugar. For most people, the amount in a single stick of Trident will have a minimal effect.

A single stick of Trident sugar-free gum typically contains around 3 to 5 calories, depending on the specific product variation.

For some individuals, especially when consumed in large quantities, the sugar alcohols in Trident gum can cause digestive issues such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea. Moderation is advised, particularly for those with a sensitive digestive system.

Yes, chewing Trident sugarless gum for 20 minutes after eating helps protect against cavities by stimulating saliva flow, which washes away plaque acids and helps strengthen tooth enamel.